Makers' Stories
Bruce Devlin
— After 25 years in Napa Valley, I've learned each season has its own rhythm, every vineyard a story. It’s a life built on patience and respect—where nature is both teacher and partner. In the end, the true reward is the story we leave in every bottle.
How did you get started in the wine business?
I started making beer shortly after high school. I enjoyed the process of fermentation and learning from my many mistakes along the way. From there I made my way to UC Davis, although not the most direct path. I spent a summer in Germany on a language exchange program and worked at a winery in the Pfalz. From there I was hooked. I loved the idea of seeing the wines from vineyard planting to bottle. It was also the people involved in that internship. The wine world has always attracted a group of people who seem to be good at enjoying life. I wanted to be a part of that.
Name a Napa Valley vintner who has influenced you and briefly explain why.
It would have to be my wife, Danielle Cyrot. I can't tell you how many countless nights we've spent talking about wines we've tried, wines we've made and lessons we've learned working in the industry. It has made my life so much easier, to have someone so close to lean into in the challenging times and also enjoy the good times with.
What's your all-time favorite food and wine pairing?
That's easy. Bouchon Truffle Gnudi and a bottle of Chateau neuf de Pape or Grenache.
What is your winemaking philosophy?
The wine should taste like the variety and vineyard it comes from. It should respect the terroir. Then for me, it's about balance. I'm just here to guide the process. Really, the majority is done in the vineyard, and from there I just need to nudge it along the way.
Tell us about your first Napa Valley harvest…
My first Napa Valley harvest was 25 years ago. It was my fifth back-to-back vintage, having worked both Northern and Southern Hemisphere harvests. It was exhilarating to be in a winery now and be a part of the whole process from grapes to bottle. Prior to that, I had only worked harvest, and I really wanted to see wines from grapes to bottle.
What is your favorite memory as a vintner working in Napa Valley?
It was when I got to pour wine for Oprah Winfrey. It was more that my wife was a real fan of hers. We were pouring our barrels from opposite sides of the room and could see each other. When Oprah came up to my barrel and not hers, I'll never forget the look I got that day.
If you could open a bottle of your wine and share it with any three people (living or not), who would they be?
I think I'm a little simple in this respect. I would want to be with my wife and my son (although he's not really old enough yet). Family is what is most important. Then, if I could pull anyone from history it would either be Edward Weston or Georgia O'keefe.
Est. 1990
Ballentine Vineyards
03
The Makers